Ultrasonography in Rhode Island Red Hybrid Hens

VRU 63(5): 620-632

Background: Backyard chickens are gaining popularity and so is individual veterinary care for their health and management. Ultrasonography is an important part of the imaging diagnostic arsenal in veterinary medicine. However, published data on its use in chickens are scarce and mostly focus on the reproductive tract.

Study: The objectives of this prospective, reference interval study were to describe a standard protocol for a full coelomic evaluation and the normal ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the coelomic organs in awake and anesthetized healthy hens.

Method: The liver, gallbladder, gonad, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and spleen were clearly visualized in 21 Rhode Island Red hybrid hens (8 immatures, 13 adults) included in this study. Reference intervals were calculated for various organs.

Results: The results of this study support the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens and provide reference ranges for use in hens with clinical diseases involving coelomic organs.

Conclusions: This study provides valuable information on the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens. It describes a standard protocol for a full coelomic evaluation and provides reference ranges for various organs. This information can be useful for veterinarians providing care to backyard chickens.

Pictures of two different coupling sites (A and C), and their corresponding bidimensional ultrasonographic images were obtained with an available ultrasound system (Philips® Healthcare Affinity 50, Bothell, WA, USA) using an 8-MHz microconvex transducer (B and D) on the standing hen. A, Positioning of the probe for the left parasternal approach cranially to the limb. The probe is oriented in a longitudinal section. B, Longitudinal ultrasonographic image obtained with the coupling site used in (A) (cranial is to the left, medial at the bottom of the image). C, Positioning of the probe for the left parasternal approach caudally to the limb in a transverse section. D, Transverse ultrasonographic image obtained with the approach used in (C) (dorsal is to the left, medial at the bottom of the image)

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